Judgment is the single trait we weight most. Can the person tell which problems matter, and do they choose well between imperfect tradeoffs?
After that: clarity of communication, ability to learn fast in a domain they don't already know, and a track record of finishing things — not just starting them.
Credentials and pedigree are a weak signal. We've hired excellent people from places no one has heard of and passed on excellent resumes who couldn't answer practical questions.
